Nonprofit organization Travis Audubon named Spicewood rancher Chris Harte as its 2019 conservation hero. Every year, Travis Audubon honors an individual who has made an extraordinary contribution to promoting environmental conservation, education or advocacy. The honorees are influential leaders who have inspired others to greater community involvement and environmental awareness through their work. Harte is a retired newspaper publisher with a passion for native species restoration, a press release said. He has worked to restore prairie and savannah at his ranch near Spicewood for more than 30 years. Harte’s accomplishments will be celebrated at the 2019 Victor Emanuel Conservation Award Luncheon on Oct. 12 at the Austin Country Club. Sponsorships are available, and table sales open May 1. 512-300-2473. www.travisaudubon.org